Photo: CollectedDAMASCUS, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Two children and a Syrian Red Crescentvolunteer have died as a result of flooding in the country's northwest, statemedia said on Sunday. State news agency SANA reported "the death of a Syrian Arab Red Crescentvolunteer and the injury of four others as they carried out theirhumanitarian duties" in Latakia province. SANA said two children died on Saturday "due to heavy flooding that sweptthrough the Ain Issa area" in the north of Latakia province. Authorities said Sunday they were working to clear roads in displacementcamps in flooded parts of Idlib province. The emergencies and disaster management ministry said 14 displacement campsin part of Idlib province were affected, with tents swamped, belongings sweptaway and around 300 families directly impacted.

It has become hard to find kites and strings because they sold out," said Shahzaib, a kite flyer, with drums playing in the background. Punjab authorities banned the festival in 2007 due to a series of fatal accidents caused by glass powdered-coated kite strings and celebratory aerial gunfire. Police were deployed across the city to enforce safety rules, while hospitals were placed on alert to deal with potential injuries. Authorities also monitored kite sales - including using QR codes to track kites - and confiscated banned materials, including glass-coated strings. Motorcycle riders placed protective rods on their bikes to intercept kite strings before they could cut riders.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Haiti's presidential transitional council, which has run the impoverished Caribbean nation for nearly two years, on Saturday handed power to US-backed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, after failing to rein in rampant gang violence. The transfer of power between the nine-member council, created in April 2024, and 54-year-old businessman Fils-Aime took place under tight security, given Haiti's unstable political climate. Mr Prime Minister, in this historic moment, I know that you are gauging the depth of the responsibility you are taking on for the country," council president Laurent Saint-Cyr told Fils-Aime. For years, Haiti -- the poorest country in the Americas -- has been in the throes of deadly gang violence, with frequent murders, rapes and kidnappings. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stressed "the importance of his continued tenure as Haiti's prime minister to combat terrorist gangs and stabilize the island."

BCI and BIDS sign MoU to promote industrial development in Bangladesh through research and advocacy. Photo : BSSDHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) – The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) and the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) titled "Research and Advocacy for Industrial Development in Bangladesh" to strengthen the country's manufacturing sector through data-driven insights. BIDS Director General Professor Dr. A. K. Enamul Haque and BCI President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) signed the document on behalf of their respective organizations. Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate on three primary areas: publishing a Quarterly State of Manufacturing Industry report, conducting research on the manufacturing sector, and performing policy advocacy. The signing ceremony was attended by BCI Senior Vice President Priti Chakraborty, BCI directors, BIDS research directors, and other senior officials from both organizations.

Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 08, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) has reset the prices of commemorative gold and silver coins citing a price hike of the precious metals in local and international markets. The prices of gold coins have been increased to TK 2,40,000 each while the prices of silver coins have been hiked to TK 21,000 each.

COX’S BAZAR, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) – During a two-day beach cleaning program on St. Martin Island, volunteers have successfully collected 2,500 kilograms of waste in 200 bags, under the initiative of the Climate Change Impact and Adaptation Project on Biodiversity. Speaking at the event, Jamir Uddin emphasized that the Department of Environment organizes beach cleaning programs annually at the end of the tourist season. “The main goal of this initiative is to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste and to foster an environmentally friendly mindset among people. Project Director Kamrul Hasan urged citizens to actively protect St. Martin from plastic pollution. The campaign highlights ongoing efforts to maintain the ecological health of St. Martin Island and promotes public awareness among people regarding plastic pollution.

The clash took place on Saturday afternoon in Munshikandi village, Munshiganj Additional Superintendent Mohammad Firoz Kabir said, reports bdnews24.com. They were reportedly ambushed by supporters of the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, led by Upazila BNP joint general secretary Ojir Ali, alongside union unit leader Awlad Mollah. According to witnesses, supporters of both sides became locked in violent clashes within moments. After receiving first aid at Munshiganj General Hospital, both were referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital due to the critical nature of their wounds. Videos showing individuals openly carrying firearms while running through potato fields, along with scenes of crude bomb explosions during the clash, have spread widely on social media.

Widely known as IKB, Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan served as Army chief from Jun 25, 2012 to Jun 25, 2015 during the Awami League government. In his testimony, he said: “The culture of killing existed in the Army from before; the culture of enforced disappearance developed later. Operation Clean Heart was conducted from Oct 16, 2002 to Jan 9, 2003 by joint forces after the BNP-Jamaat alliance came to power. On Feb 24, 2003, the government enacted the Joint Drive Indemnity Act, 2003, granting legal protection to those involved. Human Rights Watch estimated that about 50 BDR members died under torture by RAB and military personnel during interrogation.

Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain attended the signing ceremony of a MoU between the IUT and the SEACO Universities Network (SUN), held at the State Guest House Padma. Photo: MoFADHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) – Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today said the Muslim world must invest more in education, science and technology to transform its education systems and bring meaningful change to people’s lives. “The Muslim world remains backward in education, science and technology despite its vast human potential and rich intellectual heritage,” the Foreign Adviser said, stressing the need for greater investment to drive sustainable development and social progress.

DHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - Pacer Abdul Gaffar Saqlain vowed to continue hisconsistent performance as he sets his sights firmly on earning a place in theBangladesh national team. Saqlain first came into the spotlight with his performances in the NCL T20and has since continued to prove his credentials in the latest BangladeshPremier League (BPL). First of all, thanks to almighty Allah for whateverI have been able to do," Saqlain said. Saqlain emphasized the importance of confidence in both batting and bowling,crediting his belief in self and guidance from coaches for his gradualimprovement. After playing inthe National League following the first division cricket two years ago, Ihired a trainer.

Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 08, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) today adjusted Jet A-1 (jet fuel) price upward for domestic and international airlines. According to the regulatory commission circular issued today, the price of Jet A-1 fuel was increased by Taka 0.25 per litre to Taka 95.12 from Taka 94.93. Besides, the BERC also increased the price for international airlines by $ 0.11 per litre to $ 0.6257 from $ 0.6246, it said. The BERC announced the price of jet fuel for the first time in May 2025 saying that jet fuel price would be adjusted with the international market every month. The regulatory agency said considering the Platts Rate from January 5 to February 4 on an average, it adjusted upward the jet fuel price for February, 2026.

DHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - Durbar XI pacer Syed Khaled Ahmed oozed confidenceto seal the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup by beating Dhumketu XI, a team packedwith the Bangladesh national cricketers. The confidence stemmed from Durbar's dominant performances in the groupphase, where they beat both Dhumketu and Duronto, the other two teams in thetournament. "We will play the final against Dhumketu, which is formed with currentnational players. Everyone from the national team has played here in our teamtoo. Despite Duronto being knocked out of the tournament, Khaled believes theyoung players have a bright future ahead.

Bangladesh showcases diverse, eco-friendly products at Ambiente Frankfurt-2026, strengthening exports and European market presence. Photo : BSSDHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) – In a strategic drive to diversify its export basket and reinforce its presence in the European market, Bangladesh has demonstrated significant manufacturing prowess at Ambiente Frankfurt-2026. The five companies supported by the EPB include Eco Crave, Sonali Aansh Industries, Jute Crafts, Maaf Craft BD and Tarango. The Bangladeshi showcase at Ambiente 2026 spans a diverse array of product categories, reflecting the versatility of the country’s industrial base. Among the 32 direct exhibitors representing the vanguard of the nation’s export industry, several prominent brands have drawn significant attention.

The interim government has withdrawn a total of 23,865 false and politically motivated cases filed by the previous Awami League government against leaders and activists of various political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam. Disclosing the matter to newsmen, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Dr Md Rezaul Karim said, as a result, around half a million people have been relieved of harassment cases filed by the fascist Awami League government. To withdraw politically motivated harassment cases filed against the said leaders and activists of those political parties between January 6, 2009 and August 5, 2024, the interim government, on September 22, 2024, formed district committees headed by concerned deputy commissioners and an inter-ministerial committee led by Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul. The committee invited applications from political parties seeking withdrawal of politically motivated harassment cases filed by the past government. Following applications from the affected political parties, the inter-ministerial committee examined the petitions through 39 meetings held at different times and recommended withdrawal of 23,865 cases.

Hosted by the Student Assembly, the vigil included speeches from Assembly representatives and a performance of Brown’s Alma Mater by the Touchtones a cappella group. Following the shooting, Cornell released a statement regarding security procedures on campus. Blum concluded the event with closing remarks about “carry[ing] difficult moments together,” and emphasized showing up for each other. A recording of the vigil is expected to be released by the Student Assembly. “It’s important that Cornell shows that Brown is not alone,” Blum wrote in a statement to The Sun, adding that “Ivy Leagues are united … in our compassion, resilience, and support for one another.”Read More